The Chicago Bears have an unexpected hole in the middle of their offensive line.
Center Drew Dalman is expected to retire from the NFL after five seasons, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported Dalman had informed the team of his intended retirement.
Rapoport added that Chicago is hosting center Tyler Biadasz, recently released by the Washington Commanders, for a visit.
Biadasz represents one potential fill-in option, but the Bears prioritized protecting quarterback Caleb Williams during last year's free agency cycle and will surely be thorough in an effort to keep the trenches fortified.
Dalman, just 27, was a part of the aforementioned Bears' O-line transformation a year ago. He signed a three-year deal to join Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson as newcomers, and the influx of big bodies worked to perfection.
Though part of it was also a byproduct of his maturation, Williams went from taking a league-high 68 sacks as a rookie to just 24 in 2025, and PFF graded Chicago's group as the third-best unit in the NFL. Dalman made his first Pro Bowl while grading out as the sixth-best center overall by PFF (77.5) and the seventh-best run blocker at center (78.9).
He started every regular-season game and both playoff contests for the Bears, and his surprising decision will certainly require a recalibration in Chicago after losing such a sure blocker.
A fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Dalman hangs it up after 74 career appearances and 57 starts.